New Mama Brenda

If you are keeping up with our posts you will see that the other day Ono posted a blog about Brenda and Humblebumbleb. Even though her schedule is busy with two newborn twins, she gave us the time to answer our questions and tell us about herself. I have to give her mad props because she's so intriguing.

What inspires you?
"I am inspired by the past. No specific time period or era, but more of an attitude toward women's clothing and accessories. When women really used to care about getting dressed and made up on a daily basis, not just for special occasions. A time without velour sweat-pant suits and flip flops."

What other shows have you designed for? (Or any other information about your design history)
"This is my first fashion show. I have done two indie-craft fairs in the past, Stitch Rock 2007 in Delray Beach, Florida and Indie Craft Experience 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia."

Are you from Richmond? Or how did you come to be in Richmond?
"No, I am from West Palm Beach, Florida. I met Ono at I.C.E. and we talked about the fashion show."

When, or how, did you know you wanted to be a designer?
"I've been into art/crafting/designing since I was a little girl. My mom taught me how to use a sewing machine as well as kept us busy with crafts as kids. I graduated from FAU with a BFA in ceramics. I use a lot of the sculptural, three dimensional techniques I learned in school when designing my hats."

If you could meet any designer (deceased or not) who would it be?
"I've always been a huge Betsy Johnson fan. Her designs are fun and she (from interviews I've seen) seems like a genuinely nice person to talk to. And she doesn't seem like she takes her self too seriously."

What types of fabrics do you like to work with?
"I use mostly 100% recycled plastic felt as well as polyester/wool blends."

What is your favorite garment to design?
"Hats"

What style of clothes do you wear?
"I am a huge thrift store junkie. I have taken a vow to only purchase second hand, vintage, and hand made clothing and am slowly converting my closet to my dream wardrobe. I am a huge fan of pin up style and 50's house wife wear."

Describe yourself in one word.
"Humble"

Handmade Hat Hottness

Early in June, Erin and I headed to Atlanta for ICE, the Indie Craft Experience that is. Although it was heinously hot we still managed to chat it up with as many fellow indie crafters as possible, seeing old friends and making new.

During our rounds we stumbled upon Brenda, of humblebumbleb, who had hiked just as far as us, from Florida. Even though the heat was melting our brains we were still smart enough to invite her to show at pins + needles as a guest designer.

Brenda designs 3 different styles of retro felt hats made for looking hot, not keeping warm. Of course I bought one and will totally be rocking it at the show.

Humblebumbleb will debut in Richmond at the pins + needles show on October 3. Look out RVA, West Palm Beach is bringing the hottness to you.

Electric Sasha

Our designer we would like to introduce this week is, Sasha Corrodus-Odom. When you read her answers to our questions you'll really get to know her. She is a great addition to our blog-o-designers!

What inspires you?

Movies, art, dance, life,...Just about anything that strikes me at any given moment. Right now I'm being struck by the two forces between Suri and Pumpkin in Memoirs of a Geisha.

What other shows have you designed for? (Or any other information about your design history)

I did a show my Freshman year at Pratt Institute in New York in '01. I did one in New Jersey shortly after. It was nothing fancy. My big show was the Strut show at VCU earlier this year. I learned many lessons that day...

Are you from Richmond? Or how did you come to be in Richmond?

I'm not from Richmond. I'm from Washington, DC and live in Hopewell. I was

stationed at Fort Lee for 3 years and just finished my military service in the Army this year.

When, or how, did you know you wanted to be a designer?

When I was 11. I always drew things because my father is an artist. I never really took an interest in sewing, even though my mother sewed. But it just so happened that one day, I was looking in a fashion catalogue and it all appealed to me. From then on, I've been drawing and making designs and

it became very popular. By my senior year in high school, I knew this was what I was destined to do. I couldn't escape from it.

If you could meet any designer (deceased or not) who would it be?

I would loooove to meet Patricia Field. I went into her store in NY and fell in love. It was so daring and strong. Her garments speak very loudly. That's a good thing.

What types of fabrics do you like to work with?

I like to work with fabrics that have personality, such as textured silks, faded chiffons, metallic denims, and sequinned lace.

What is your favorite garment to design?

I love to make garments with an element of surprise. My favorite was a pair of jeans I made when I was a teen that were shorts with the Jamaican flags painted on the back pockets. Then I had calf pants (they are almost similiar to leg warmers) made from the same material. That garment got a lot of attention.

What style of clothes do you wear?

I call it psychotic style, a style that changes with the mood. Sometimes, I like to bend the rules and wear a skirt with some colored striped socks, some days, I wear soft pieces in an "organic" pallete (greens, blacks, tans). I'm all over the place but it works.

Where is your favorite Richmond spot to go and relax?

I don't live in Richmond so I don't really go there much. I've been to Godfrey's a few times and I

love it there.

Describe yourself in one word.

Electric

feature on threadbanger's blog!

a big thanks to threadbanger, who posted about our upcoming show...check out their blog post here

Threadbanger is: a network for people who love to DIY, recreate, refashion and craft. Forget about corporate stores, we’re here to help you create and find your own style! From our episodes, forum and blog to our newsletter and contests, there is something for everyone. Our goal is to bring together people who can share their ideas, tips and advice with others and help make the world more fashionable – Threadbanger style!

first friday recap

last night we headed out to first friday with a few friends and of course, our favorite intern, Leilani...

between the random spurts of downpour, we had a really great time...

we met Gabe, who was making rings right outside of Quirk
+ had a nice conversation about the crafting community.



we visited the zoo - zoo valdes that is.



there were several new galleries/shops open, including ghostprint gallery & v for the home and there is even a new place to go for an artini - rendezvous, right next to 27.


and remember next first friday, we will be at new york deli post first friday for an indie fashion show...

model call

hello ladies! pins+ needles is having a model call, saturday september 13 at 2pm in the commons on vcu campus. we are looking for average sized models who are dying to rock the indie threads. check out the awesome flyer below for more details.

huge thanks to otis for creating such a fabulous flyer!

Rockin Julien

Photo credit - Scott Elmquist for Belle magazine

Julien Archer is the second designer interviewed in our "meet the designers" series, and many people who read our local fashion magazine Belle would have seen an article on him in the most recent issue. Below are Julien's answers from a recent interview we conducted to learn a little more about one of our designers for the upcoming show!

What inspires you?
"The unnoticed details in nature"

What other shows have you designed for? (Or any other information about your design history)
"I participated in the Appomattox Regional Governor's School annual fashion show my freshman year as a student there and my sophomore year collaborating with a student that attends there, winning the show that year. In November of 2007, I participated in the VMFA Teen Caffeine Cafe Stylin' Show, winning Best Ready to Wear. I was also a participant in Worn Again 3 2007."

Are you from Richmond? Or how did you come to be in Richmond?
"Yes, I am a junior at Trinity Episcopal High School."

When, or how, did you know you wanted to be a designer?
"I have been designing since I was a toddler. I actually still have sketches from when I was 3."

If you could meet any designer (deceased or not) who would it be?
"Nicholas Ghesquiere from Balenciaga."

What types of fabrics do you like to work with?
"I like to work with various vinyls, heavy knits, really rich fabrics."

What is your favorite garment to design?
"Currently I am into designing really long gowns and tops that resemble the gowns, but that are more wearable."

What style of clothes do you wear?
"I going for an early 1960's era rock image."

Where is your favorite Richmond spot to go and relax?
"I love stopping in to talk at Heidi Story. I also like just being with my friends wherever."

Describe yourself in one word. "Quirky"